PolitiFact Florida

Miami-Dade claims ‘nation’s highest-rated tap water’

PolitiFact Florida went right to the source to fact-check Miami-Dade’s boast of having the nation’s top tap water. 1373671109

Edward Snowden reportedly vows no more leaks as he seeks asylum in Russia

Acknowledging that he’s trapped in a Moscow airport by the ability of the United States and its European allies to force to the ground nearly any aircraft he boards, fugitive National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden asked Russia on Friday to grant him temporary asylum, promising, apparently, that he was finished leaking information about U.S. government programs. 1373677918

Third girl aboard Asiana jet dies from injuries

A girl who was aboard the Asiana Airlines flight that crash-landed died Friday, the same day that authorities confirmed one of the two Chinese teenagers killed in the disaster was hit by a firetruck. 1373672529

Snowden says he wants asylum in Russia

Edward Snowden emerged from weeks of hiding in a Moscow airport Friday, still defiant but willing to stop leaking secrets about U.S. surveillance programs if Russia will give him asylum until he can move on to Latin America. 1373664988

SCHOOLS

Florida education chief suggests tweaks to grade formula

Schools would face a drop of no more than one letter grade this summer if last-minute recommendations by Florida’s education commissioner are upheld. 1373679870

At least 6 dead in France train crash near Paris

A train carrying hundreds of passengers derailed and crashed into a station outside Paris on Friday on one of the busiest days of the year for vacation getaways. At least six people were killed and dozens were injured, officials said. 1373665290

TRAYVON MARTIN CASE

Jury ends deliberations for the night with no decision in George Zimmerman trial

Jurors deliberated for about 3 1/2 hours Friday afternoon in the second-degree murder trial of George Zimmerman. They return to court Saturday at 9 a.m. 1373679604

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano resigning

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced her resignation Friday to take over the University of California system, leaving behind a huge department still working to adjust to the merger of nearly two dozen agencies after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Defense begins closings in George Zimmerman trial

George Zimmerman's defense attorney began his final arguments Friday, telling jurors he will show them the neighborhood watch volunteer's "pure, unadulterated innocence" of second-degree murder when he fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

MB CONVENTION CENTER

Accusations of impropriety fly in Miami Beach Convention Center project

One of the teams competing for the Miami Beach Convention Center renovation contract strongly criticized the city’s handling of the bid process.

CUBA

Cuba’s food ration stores mark 50th anniversary

The ration card gives every Cuban a basic basket of food for less than $2 a month.

IN THE CAMPS

Guantánamo: 2 detainees quit hunger strike; calm in communal prison

Two Guantánamo captives have quit their hunger strike, the military said Thursday, reporting the first dip in the prison camps protest and a cessation of clashes between guards and prisoners that coincides with the Ramadan holiday.

South Miami police chief pleads no contest to ethics violations

Orlando Martinez De Castro was accused of steering department business to his wife’s companies.

Electronic music

Miami’s Ultra Fest gets ultra expensive for 2014

Next year’s Ultra Music Festival — the crowning event of Miami’s annual March madness of electronic dance — is going to seem ultra expensive to all but the fastest-moving ticket buyers.